We can all learn from each other, no matter what stage we are at -- whether in life, family, career, or school. For instance, I know a lot about book marketing and publicity, perhaps more than 90% of all authors and
book professionals. But I recognize I don’t know it all, especially when things keep changing in publishing, the media, and technology. However, after a recent email exchange with a best-selling author, I realized that some of us forget that we should be open to learning from others. It’s a lesson worth learning.
Being the aggressive marketer that I am, I contacted my 10,763 linked in connections to share my recent blog post on how one can write a book that is promotable. It was a lengthy piece -- probably 5,000+ words- that grew out of a speech I gave to the Cape Cod Writers Convention. I enjoy imparting my ideas, sharing experiences, and providing resources to others. I don’t get paid to do the blog. I just like doing it. But sometimes I get ridiculous responses from people, including:
“I can’t afford whatever you’re selling.”
I am not selling anything -- it’s just a free blog.
“Don’t spam me -- why are you contacting me?”
Excuse me, but we are connected and this info is useful to you.
“Your stuff is just self-promotional.”
I get tons of readers telling me it’s a great blog with lots of useful tips. I don’t even advertise my services in the blog.
Then I got an e-mail from an unnamed NYT and USA Today best-selling author. She said I should really take into consideration who I am e-mailing the blog to, as if to say she’s too accomplished and important to be given any advice.
Really?
Instead of chastising someone who is trying to help, why don’t you actually read the post and maybe learn something? Success doesn’t remain with anyone for long. It’s not a right or something as permanent as a birthmark. For her to even come close to repeating her initial level of success she will need not to replicate what she did before, but something better and different. Whatever she already knows or does may not be enough to take her back to where she’s been.
Now, I get it, she’s busy and feels above the advice of others since she’s already proven herself, But the minute one closes herself off to new ideas, techniques, or information, it is the moment that this person ceases to grow and be competitive.
Whenever I get negative responses to my efforts, my first reaction is to write back something equally nasty, sarcastic, or biting but then I stop myself. It won’t do any good -- being mean doesn’t help others come to see your viewpoint. It just leads into a circuitous, negative exchange of useless emails.
But I hope the naysayers, to the close-minded, and the too-important-to-learn-a-new-technique folks change their ways. Not only would they truly grow as a result, but they would stop making others, who try to do something good, feel so bad.
It’s never too late to learn a lesson and I implore you to learn the lesson of being open to learning.
Don’t Miss These Recent Posts
Making Your Book Promotable – Before It Is Published
FAQ ON BOOK PUBLICITY
10 Ways To Get A Media Hit
Why Aren’t There Any Signs Of Books On The Road?
Sell Books Where They Don’t – Including Funeral Homes, Police Stations & Hair Salons
What Can You Do With Old, But Underexposed Content?
The Role Of Money In Book Publicity
What Is Your Attitude Towards Book Publicity?
How Can Authors Measure Social Media Success?
25 Ways For Authors To Break Through & Establish A Legacy
Do You Market Your Books Doggy Style?
Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer, the nation’s largest book promoter. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.